ISTANBUL

The Philippines and France are planning to sign a security agreement to deepen cooperation, Filipino Defense Minister Gilbert Teodoro said during a news conference with his French counterpart, Sebastien Lecornu, according to the PhilStar newspaper.

"We intend to take concrete steps to levelling up and making more comprehensive our defense cooperation," said Teodoro, noting they are awaiting approval from the heads of state to commence negotiations.

Lecornu said: "We are working on an agenda of strengthening our presence in the Indo-Pacific."

He also wrote on X: "The first official visit of a Minister of Defense to the Philippines to provide new perspectives for our defense relationship."

The proposed agreement envisions joint military exercises between the armed forces of the Philippines and France, involving visits to each other's countries.